I've traveled over 950 miles on business-class trains in the US, Canada, and Europe. Here's how they rank from best to worst.

Joey HaddenMar 17, 2023, 16:11 IST

Insider's reporter has spent 20 hours traveling 950 miles on business class trains in the US, Canada, and Italy, and ranked them.Joey Hadden/Insider

I've spent 20 hours traveling 950 miles on business class trains in the US, Canada, and Italy.
I had the best experience in Italy, where the train had the comfiest seats and nicest bathroom.

I've traveled on business-class trains in the US, Canada, and Italy in hopes of having luxurious, comfortable experiences.

The author rides in business class on train in Italy (left), Canada (top), and the US (R).Joey Hadden/Insider

First, I took a 10-hour, 306-mile train ride in business class from NYC to Niagara Falls in New York on Amtrak.

The author rides in business class on an Amtrak train.Joey Hadden/Insider

Next, I spent six hours on a Via Rail business-class train traveling 315 miles from Toronto to Montreal in Canada.

The author rides in business class in Canada.Joey Hadden/Insider

Lastly, I took a 4-hour business-class Trenitalia train from Venice to Rome, which covers 327 miles. Here's how they ranked from best to worst.

The author prepared to board a business-class train in Italy.Joey Hadden/Insider

I thought Italy's train was the most comfortable of the three rides, and gave me the best overall business-class experience.

The author enjoys a business-class ride on a Trenitalia train in Italy.Joey Hadden/Insider

I booked the trip through Trenitalia, the largest train operator in Italy that runs several different fleets.

A Trenitalia ticket sales agency in Paris.Michel Stoupak/NurPhoto via Getty Images

A business-class ticket on this route cost about $100 and included complimentary refreshments.

The author's tickets on a Trenitalia train.Joey Hadden/Insider

On the train, the configuration was two seats on one side of the aisle and one seat on the other. Most single-row seats faced each other with a table in between, while most double-row seats faced another row of two seats.

Inside a business-class car on a Frecciarossa train in Italy.Joey Hadden/Insider

On the train, the configuration was two seats on one side of the aisle and one seat on the other. Most single-row seats faced each other with a table in between, while most double-row seats faced another row of two seats.

I sat in a single seat across from my partner and thought it was the most comfortable train seat I'd ever experienced.

The author gets comfortable on the train in Italy.Joey Hadden/Insider

It was 25 inches wide, according to ACP Rail International, with a curved headrest and reclining function. It felt like a small couch.

A business-class seat on the Trenitalia train.Joey Hadden/Insider

I also thought we had adequate legroom on Trenitalia, with 31.5 inches each, according to the train booking site, ACP Rail International.

The author's legroom on the Trenitalia train.Joey Hadden/Insider

The seats had a table in the middle that folded out on either side for additional space. I thought it gave me enough room to eat, drink, and work.

A table across from the author's.Joey Hadden/Insider

There was also a shared trash can for each grouping of seats, which I found convenient.

The author's shared trash can at her seat.Joey Hadden/Insider

After the train departed from Venice, attendants greeted passengers with complimentary snacks and drinks. They came by once more towards the end of the trip with more trail mix and beverages.

The author's snacks and drinks on the table.Joey Hadden/Insider

After the train departed from Venice, attendants greeted passengers with complimentary snacks and drinks. They came by once more towards the end of the trip with more trail mix and beverages.

When I went to use the bathroom, I was surprised by how spacious and clean it appeared, with blue lighting and a large mirror above the sink.

The business-class bathroom on the Trenitalia train.Joey Hadden/Insider

Around the car, I spotted multiple informative screens with a map previewing the route. I've never seen this inside a train car prior to my trip to Europe, and thought it was a nice touch that made me sure I was getting off at the right stop.

An informative screen on the train.Joey Hadden/Insider

Around the car, I spotted multiple informative screens with a map previewing the route. I've never seen this inside a train car prior to my trip to Europe, and thought it was a nice touch that made me sure I was getting off at the right stop.

While my Trenitalia business-class ride was my top pick overall, I ranked my Canadian business-class trip from Toronto to Montreal on Via Rail second.

The author prepares to board a business-class train in Canada.Joey Hadden/Insider

Via Rail is one of the most accessible and popular ways to travel by train in Canada. It serves more than 400 stations in eight provinces across Canada with economy seating, business class, and sleeper accommodation, according to their website.

Passengers exit a Via Rail train in Canada.Joey Hadden/Insider

Via Rail is one of the most accessible and popular ways to travel by train in Canada. It serves more than 400 stations in eight provinces across Canada with economy seating, business class, and sleeper accommodation, according to their website.

For $200, my ticket included station lounge access, priority boarding, as well as snacks, meals, and beverages during the ride.

The business-class car on the author's train.Joey Hadden/Insider

The trip started off with access to an exclusive lounge at Toronto's Union Station with plenty of seating and free refreshments. This was my only business-class ride that included this perk.

The lounge at Toronto's Union Station.Joey Hadden/Insider

The trip started off with access to an exclusive lounge at Toronto's Union Station with plenty of seating and free refreshments. This was my only business-class ride that included this perk.

This was also the only business-class ride where I experienced priority boarding. When it was time to depart, I was able to skip a long line of economy passengers.

The author boards the train to Montréal.Joey Hadden/Insider

Like the Trenitalia cars, the Via Rail's configuration was two seats on one side of the aisle and one seat on the other.

Inside the business-class train car.Joey Hadden/Insider

Via Rail business-class seats are 18.5 inches wide, according to The Toronto Star, and have a curved head rest. I thought it was quite comfortable, but not as cozy as the Trenitalia seat.

The author's business-class seat.Joey Hadden/Insider

Via Rail business-class seats are 18.5 inches wide, according to The Toronto Star, and have a curved head rest. I thought it was quite comfortable, but not as cozy as the Trenitalia seat.

The Toronto Star reported that Via Rail business-class seats have a 39-inch seat pitch. I also noticed that the seat had a foot rest, which I used to extend my legs when they started to feel stiff.

A seat (L) and the author's legroom (R) on the train.Joey Hadden/Insider

The Toronto Star reported that Via Rail business-class seats have a 39-inch seat pitch. I also noticed that the seat had a foot rest, which I used to extend my legs when they started to feel stiff.

In front of me was a seatback tray table, which is typical of most train rides I've taken. There was also side table to the left of my seat that I used to hold my coffee while working.

The side table (L) and tray table (R) at the author's seat.Joey Hadden/Insider

In front of me was a seatback tray table, which is typical of most train rides I've taken. There was also side table to the left of my seat that I used to hold my coffee while working.

Shortly after departing, a train attendant came around with complimentary drinks and breakfast: a warm bagel with cream cheese. It was no New York bagel, I thought, but it was decent and filled me up.

The author's breakfast on the train.Joey Hadden/Insider

Shortly after departing, a train attendant came around with complimentary drinks and breakfast: a warm bagel with cream cheese. It was no New York bagel, I thought, but it was decent and filled me up.

At lunchtime, I heard a brief menu announced over the loudspeaker and ordered a rigatoni dish with sides of corn salad, bread, and carrot bread for dessert. The meal was better than I expected with an al dente cook on the pasta.

The author's meal on a business class Via Rail train.Joey Hadden/Insider

At lunchtime, I heard a brief menu announced over the loudspeaker and ordered a rigatoni dish with sides of corn salad, bread, and carrot bread for dessert. The meal was better than I expected with an al dente cook on the pasta.

Throughout the trip, attendants also came by with hand wipes and snacks, which I thought made the ride feel a tad more luxurious.

Additional perks included snacks and warm wipes before and after meals.Joey Hadden/Insider

Just before we arrived in Montréal, I used the train's bathroom. I was impressed by how clean it was compared to most train bathrooms I've used.

Inside the Via Rail business-class bathroom.Joey Hadden/Insider

Finally, my business-class ride from NYC to Niagara Falls ranks last on this list.

The author exits a business-class Amtrak train.Joey Hadden/Insider

I booked my ride with Amtrak, a US-based train operator that runs across 21,000 miles in 46 US states, the District of Columbia, and three Canadian provinces, according to its website.

A business-class Amtrak train stopped in Baltimore, Maryland.Joey Hadden/Insider

I booked my ride with Amtrak, a US-based train operator that runs across 21,000 miles in 46 US states, the District of Columbia, and three Canadian provinces, according to its website.

for $168, my ticket included a business-class seat that came with a complimentary beverage.

An Amtrak train stopped in Baltimore.Joey Hadden/Insider

Like the Trenitalia and Via Rail trains, the seat configuration inside the Amtrak business-class car was two seats on one side of the aisle and one seat on the other.

Inside the business-class car.Joey Hadden/Insider

An Amtrak representative told Insider that their business-class seats are 20 inches wide. Since my seat appeared big, I thought it would be comfy and plush. However, once I sat down, I thought it felt stiffer than expected.

The author's seat on the Amtrak train.Joey Hadden/Insider

An Amtrak representative told Insider that their business-class seats are 20 inches wide. Since my seat appeared big, I thought it would be comfy and plush. However, once I sat down, I thought it felt stiffer than expected.

The seat pitch was 42 inches, according to the Amtrak representative. I thought I had enough leg room to stretch out.

The author's leg room on the Amtrak train.Joey Hadden/Insider

In front of me was a standard tray table. I thought it looked to be around the same size as the one on the Via Rail train.

The tray table folded up (L) and down (R).Joey Hadden/Insider

Halfway through my trip, I noticed that I hadn't seen any attendants checking in with passengers or delivering meals or snacks, so I went to the cafe car to get my complimentary drink.

The author drinks a complimentary diet coke and eats her own snack.Joey Hadden/Insider

Halfway through my trip, I noticed that I hadn't seen any attendants checking in with passengers or delivering meals or snacks, so I went to the cafe car to get my complimentary drink.

When I went to the bathroom, I thought it looked like a typical train bathroom, although the trash can was overflowing.

The business-class Amtrak bathroom.Joey Hadden/Insider

While the Amtrak business-class train was still an upgrade over coach, it ranked last for me when compared to my other business-class rides, as it had fewer perks and less impressive seats.

Inside the business-class car.Joey Hadden/Insider

While the Amtrak business-class train was still an upgrade over coach, it ranked last for me when compared to my other business-class rides, as it had fewer perks and less impressive seats.

"We are constantly evaluating ways to improve the customer experience, including further differentiating the classes of service across the network," a representative from Amtrak told Insider.

A first-class car on an Amtrak train.Joey Hadden/Insider

"We are constantly evaluating ways to improve the customer experience, including further differentiating the classes of service across the network," a representative from Amtrak told Insider.

I would definitely ride in business class in Canada and Italy again, but in the US, I'll stick to coach to save money.

The author gets on a train in Italy.Joey Hadden/Insider

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I've traveled over 950 miles on business-class trains in the US, Canada, and Europe. Here's how they rank from best to worst.

I've traveled on business-class trains in the US, Canada, and Italy in hopes of having luxurious, comfortable experiences.

First, I took a 10-hour, 306-mile train ride in business class from NYC to Niagara Falls in New York on Amtrak.

Next, I spent six hours on a Via Rail business-class train traveling 315 miles from Toronto to Montreal in Canada.

Lastly, I took a 4-hour business-class Trenitalia train from Venice to Rome, which covers 327 miles. Here's how they ranked from best to worst.

I thought Italy's train was the most comfortable of the three rides, and gave me the best overall business-class experience.

I booked the trip through Trenitalia, the largest train operator in Italy that runs several different fleets.

A business-class ticket on this route cost about $100 and included complimentary refreshments.

On the train, the configuration was two seats on one side of the aisle and one seat on the other. Most single-row seats faced each other with a table in between, while most double-row seats faced another row of two seats.

I sat in a single seat across from my partner and thought it was the most comfortable train seat I'd ever experienced.

It was 25 inches wide, according to ACP Rail International, with a curved headrest and reclining function. It felt like a small couch.

I also thought we had adequate legroom on Trenitalia, with 31.5 inches each, according to the train booking site, ACP Rail International.

The seats had a table in the middle that folded out on either side for additional space. I thought it gave me enough room to eat, drink, and work.

There was also a shared trash can for each grouping of seats, which I found convenient.

After the train departed from Venice, attendants greeted passengers with complimentary snacks and drinks. They came by once more towards the end of the trip with more trail mix and beverages.

When I went to use the bathroom, I was surprised by how spacious and clean it appeared, with blue lighting and a large mirror above the sink.

Around the car, I spotted multiple informative screens with a map previewing the route. I've never seen this inside a train car prior to my trip to Europe, and thought it was a nice touch that made me sure I was getting off at the right stop.

While my Trenitalia business-class ride was my top pick overall, I ranked my Canadian business-class trip from Toronto to Montreal on Via Rail second.

Via Rail is one of the most accessible and popular ways to travel by train in Canada. It serves more than 400 stations in eight provinces across Canada with economy seating, business class, and sleeper accommodation, according to their website.

For $200, my ticket included station lounge access, priority boarding, as well as snacks, meals, and beverages during the ride.

The trip started off with access to an exclusive lounge at Toronto's Union Station with plenty of seating and free refreshments. This was my only business-class ride that included this perk.

This was also the only business-class ride where I experienced priority boarding. When it was time to depart, I was able to skip a long line of economy passengers.

Like the Trenitalia cars, the Via Rail's configuration was two seats on one side of the aisle and one seat on the other.

Via Rail business-class seats are 18.5 inches wide, according to The Toronto Star, and have a curved head rest. I thought it was quite comfortable, but not as cozy as the Trenitalia seat.

The Toronto Star reported that Via Rail business-class seats have a 39-inch seat pitch. I also noticed that the seat had a foot rest, which I used to extend my legs when they started to feel stiff.

In front of me was a seatback tray table, which is typical of most train rides I've taken. There was also side table to the left of my seat that I used to hold my coffee while working.

Shortly after departing, a train attendant came around with complimentary drinks and breakfast: a warm bagel with cream cheese. It was no New York bagel, I thought, but it was decent and filled me up.

At lunchtime, I heard a brief menu announced over the loudspeaker and ordered a rigatoni dish with sides of corn salad, bread, and carrot bread for dessert. The meal was better than I expected with an al dente cook on the pasta.

Throughout the trip, attendants also came by with hand wipes and snacks, which I thought made the ride feel a tad more luxurious.

Just before we arrived in Montréal, I used the train's bathroom. I was impressed by how clean it was compared to most train bathrooms I've used.

Finally, my business-class ride from NYC to Niagara Falls ranks last on this list.

I booked my ride with Amtrak, a US-based train operator that runs across 21,000 miles in 46 US states, the District of Columbia, and three Canadian provinces, according to its website.

for $168, my ticket included a business-class seat that came with a complimentary beverage.

Like the Trenitalia and Via Rail trains, the seat configuration inside the Amtrak business-class car was two seats on one side of the aisle and one seat on the other.

An Amtrak representative told Insider that their business-class seats are 20 inches wide. Since my seat appeared big, I thought it would be comfy and plush. However, once I sat down, I thought it felt stiffer than expected.

The seat pitch was 42 inches, according to the Amtrak representative. I thought I had enough leg room to stretch out.

In front of me was a standard tray table. I thought it looked to be around the same size as the one on the Via Rail train.

Halfway through my trip, I noticed that I hadn't seen any attendants checking in with passengers or delivering meals or snacks, so I went to the cafe car to get my complimentary drink.

When I went to the bathroom, I thought it looked like a typical train bathroom, although the trash can was overflowing.

While the Amtrak business-class train was still an upgrade over coach, it ranked last for me when compared to my other business-class rides, as it had fewer perks and less impressive seats.

"We are constantly evaluating ways to improve the customer experience, including further differentiating the classes of service across the network," a representative from Amtrak told Insider.

I would definitely ride in business class in Canada and Italy again, but in the US, I'll stick to coach to save money.